Birmingham central office market poised for strong year end finish

The central Birmingham office market is showing clear signs of renewed confidence and stability, with growing occupier activity and strong demand for high-quality, energy-efficient space leading the recovery through the remainder of 2025.

Office take-up in the central Birmingham office market reached 178,654 sq ft in 33 deals in Q3 this year, according to the Birmingham Office Market Forum which is made up of property agents from across the city.

The notable deals during this quarter include global audit, tax and advisory services firm Forvis Mazars LLP taking 22,648 sq ft on the second floor of Three Chamberlain Square and global law firm Squire Patton Boggs moving into 22,231 sq ft of space on the second floor of 19 Cornwall Street.

In 2025 up to the end of Q3, a total of 361,448 sq ft of office deals have been completed within central Birmingham.

Charles Warrack (pictured), partner at Fisher German’s Birmingham office at Fifteen Colmore Row, said that although take-up levels in the first half of the year were below historic averages, activity beneath the surface remained encouraging, and there will be a strong end to the year with some large professional services lettings to be announced in Q4.

He said the market is moving back to normality as confidence rebuilds and landlords adapt to evolving occupier expectations.

Mr Warrack continued: “The quieter first half of the year is now firmly behind us.

“We’re seeing sustained appetite from professional services firms in particular, alongside growing interest from other sectors.

“The fundamentals of the Birmingham market remain very strong.

“The trend now materialising following a strong performance through Q3 and an increasingly healthy pipeline of transactions means we are expecting the remainder of the year to be particularly healthy in the Birmingham city centre office market.

“There is clear transactional momentum returning. Birmingham’s office market has regained its balance and those who’ve invested in quality, sustainability, and flexibility are now seeing the results.”

Charles added that quality, specification and sustainability are now the defining features separating successful buildings from those struggling to attract tenants.

He continued: “The top end of the market is extremely active, with refurbished and upgraded buildings achieving premium rents.

“Occupiers are no longer just looking for a great location. They want space that performs environmentally and functionally, with EPC ratings of B or better becoming the minimum benchmark.”

He said that the life sciences sector continues to reinforce Birmingham’s position as a centre for innovation, following major lettings such as The Birmingham Centre for Anatomy, Surgical & Clinical Skills taking space at the Birmingham Health Innovation Campus earlier this year.

“That deal is a great example of the city’s evolving economy,” Charles said.

“Life sciences and professional services are both driving growth and diversifying demand.

“We expect the market to finish the year on a strong note, with several significant lettings under offer and broader confidence returning across all sectors.”